New Cingular Wireless Services Inc history

Indeed, the first cellular systems were not constructed until 1984, when AT&T Corp. built the first systems in Chicago and Washington, D.C. By the time the first systems were built, other corporate interests had taken the lead in bringing the technology to the masses.

In 1989, Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems and McCaw Communications formed a partnership called Cellular One Group.

His aim was to create a seamless national network, an objective realized in 1990 when McCaw Cellular Communications, under the Cellular One brand, introduced wireless SS7 signaling, which allowed the creation of a North American network with national automatic roaming for wireless customers.

In November 1992, McCaw sold one-third of his company to AT&T Corp., a $3.8 billion deal that marked the first step toward the eventual union of the two companies.

One year later, in 1993, Barksdale's influence at the company promised to increase when the second largest merger in the history of United States business was announced.

Also in 1995, SNET, Southern New England Telephone (AT&T) joined the Cellular One Group partnership.

In 1998, the company introduced Digital One Rate, a nationwide calling plan that allowed subscribers to pay a flat fee with no extra charges for roaming or long distance.

In October 1999, AT&T Wireless Group gained a new leader, John D. Zeglis, who was appointed chairman and chief executive officer.

In October 2000, AT&T Corp. announced plans to split itself into four business lines: wireless, consumer, business, and broadband.

For 2002, he earmarked an additional $5.3 billion toward wireless infrastructure, hoping to fix the company's persistent quality problems and to implement better technical standards.

In 2005, Alltel purchased Western Wireless.

In 2008, AT&T purchased Dobson Cellular.